Director, North America I&C Safety System Engineering

As the need for nuclear energy grows, the future couldn't be brighter. Join our vital mission to create lasting solutions for our planet's greatest challenges. In this role, you are ready to shape the future of clean energy and make a long-lasting global impact. With us, anticipate engaging and challenging projects that deliver innovative solutions and value-added technologies helping power more than 38 million North American homes.

We are seeking a seasoned Director of Safety Systems Engineering to lead our Instrumentation & Control (I&C) safety systems organization. This leader will be responsible for driving the modernization of I&C systems across the operating nuclear fleet and advancing safety-class I&C solutions for Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and Advanced Reactors (ARs). The role requires a blend of technical depth, regulatory expertise, and organizational leadership to ensure safe, reliable, and future-ready nuclear plant operations.

Strategic Leadership

Define and execute the safety system engineering strategy for operating fleet modernization and next-gen nuclear deployment.
• Align safety I&C modernization initiatives with customer needs, regulatory expectations, and corporate growth objectives.
• Serve as a thought leader on nuclear I&C modernization, shaping company positioning with utilities, regulators, and industry forums.

Engineering & Delivery

• Lead end-to-end project engineering for safety-related I&C systems, including requirements definition, architecture design, hardware/software design, implementation, integration, and validation/verification.
• Direct system engineering teams to deliver compliant, licensable safety systems that meet U.S. NRC and international regulatory standards.
• Oversee life-cycle management for safety I&C in the operating fleet, ensuring modernization programs are delivered on time, within budget, and with minimal plant disruption.

Regulatory & Licensing Interface

• Collaborate with licensing and regulatory teams to ensure system designs meet NRC and global licensing requirements.
• Support preparation of licensing submittals, technical justifications, and regulatory engagement for modernization and new reactor programs.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with operations, field service, and project delivery teams to ensure seamless deployment and commissioning of safety I&C systems.
• Collaborate with product management and R&D to drive innovation and readiness for digitization commercialization for operating plants and AR/SMRs.
• Engage with customers and industry consortia to align engineering solutions with market demand and regulatory pathways.

People, Organization & Culture Leadership

• Manage managers across software, hardware, and systems engineering disciplines, ensuring strong integration and alignment.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing global team of safety systems engineers and technical leaders.
• Establish and maintain engineering standards, governance processes, and continuous improvement practices.
• Create and scale a new organizational structure, instilling a strong talent pipeline, leadership development, and culture of technical excellence and accountability.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and regulatory rigor to position the organization as the industry leader in nuclear safety I&C modernization and next-gen systems.

• Bachelor's Degree in Engineering
  • Dependent on the position, degrees in Physics, Engineering Technology and Engineering Science may also be accepted.
• Minimum of 12 years of related experience.
• Advanced knowledge of related engineering standards, techniques and criteria.
• Ability to set strategy and vision for medium to large size organization.
• Excellent communication skills with ability to work effectively with all levels of staff, management and customers as required.
• Ability to develop and maintain good interpersonal relationships; work collaboratively within a team environment.
• Advanced problem identification and problem resolution skills.
• Advanced level of specific software tools (CAD, FEA, CFD) and programming skills.
• Proven track record in nuclear plant I&C modernization and/or safety-class I&C development for new reactors.
• Demonstrated success in building and managing managers across software, hardware, and systems engineering functions.
• Deep understanding of NRC regulations, IEEE standards, IEC 61513, and NQA-1 quality standards.
• Experience engaging with regulatory bodies and supporting licensing efforts.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills, with experience managing diverse engineering teams.
• Ability to create and scale organizations, develop talent pipelines, and build high-performance technical cultures.
• Ability to influence executive and industry levels while maintaining hands-on technical credibility.

Total Rewards Package

• Salary: $161,000 - $227,000, and may also include annual incentives and performance bonuses. The base salary range is a guideline. Individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications, skill level, competencies and work location.
• Health & Wellness: Multiple medical plan options, dental & vision coverage, life insurance, long- and short-term disability, and optional supplemental plans (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, dependent life).
• Retirement: 401(k) with employer match.
• Paid Time Off: Up to 3 weeks of vacation, 8 sick days, and 13 paid holidays annually.
• Extra Perks: Lifestyle spending account, employer paid mental health support, education reimbursement, professional development opportunities, adoption assistance, parental leave, and employee assistance programs.

Framatome has been shaping the future of nuclear energy in the U.S. for more than 60 years. Framatome Inc. is headquartered in Lynchburg, Virginia, with more than 2,400+ employees across North America supporting nearly every nuclear plant in the nation.

From our facilities in Virginia, Washington, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Massachusetts and beyond, we deliver outage services, advanced nuclear fuel technologies, and next-gen reactor innovations that keep the lights on.

At Framatome, you will join a global team committed to creating reliable, carbon-free energy. Here, you can:

• Solve complex nuclear challenges that directly impact the climate.
• Build your career through technical fellowships, leadership roles, and global opportunities.
• Do your best work in a culture that values safety, innovation, and well-being.

Framatome is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or veteran status.

Offers are contingent on background check and drug screen (where applicable). Positions may involve access to information subject to U.S. export control regulations; applicants must meet eligibility requirements (see DOE 810 Appendix A).